Baby changing device

ABSTRACT

A device providing a level surface for changing a baby is provided along with a method for the use thereof. A device providing a level surface for changing a baby may comprise: a base, wherein the base comprises a plurality of lateral sides; a cradle surface; and an extendable member attached to the base, wherein the extendable member is configured to extend to any of at least one displacement position to adjust the base to substantially level the cradle surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/115,896, titled BABY CHANGING DEVICE and filed on Nov. 19, 2020; the specification, drawings, and claims thereof and the appendix thereto are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to providing a level surface, and specifically to providing a level surface for changing a baby. Uses for this apparatus may include, but are not limited to: providing a level surface for changing a baby on a seat in a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

It is sometimes necessary to change a baby's diaper. To do so, it is sometimes necessary to place the baby on a surface. If the surface is not substantially level, then the baby may roll, slide, or fall under the influence of gravity. That is inconvenient to the person changing the baby's diaper and is potentially dangerous to the baby.

The seat of a vehicle is one potential surface for changing a baby's diaper. The seat of a vehicle often is not substantially level. In fact, the seat of a vehicle very often inclines and is higher at the front of the seat than at the back of the seat. Therefore, a baby which is placed on a seat of a vehicle—e.g., for changing its diaper—may move under the influence of gravitational forces. Systems and methods for providing a level surface—e.g., for changing a baby on a seat of a vehicle—are therefore desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure describes a device providing a level surface for changing a baby. In a first exemplary embodiment, a device providing a level surface for changing a baby is disclosed, comprising: a base, wherein the base comprises a plurality of lateral sides; a cradle surface; and an extendable member attached to the base, wherein the extendable member is configured to extend to any of at least one displacement position to adjust the base to substantially level the cradle surface.

In a second exemplary embodiment, a device providing a level surface for changing a baby is disclosed, comprising: a base, wherein the base comprises a plurality of lateral sides; a cradle surface; an extendable member attached to the base, wherein the extendable member is configured to extend to any of at least one displacement position to adjust the base to substantially level the cradle surface; and a recessed portion of the base configured to accommodate the extendable member, wherein the extendable member is retractable to a position substantially within the recessed portion of the base.

In a third exemplary embodiment, a device providing a level surface for changing a baby is disclosed, comprising: a base, wherein the base comprises a plurality of lateral sides, a cradle surface; and an extendable member attached to the base by a pin, wherein the extendable member is configured to pivot about the pin, and wherein the extendable member is configured to extend to any of at least one displacement position to adjust the base to substantially level the cradle surface.

In a fourth exemplary embodiment, a device providing a level surface for changing a baby is disclosed, comprising: a base, wherein the base comprises a plurality of lateral sides, a cradle surface; and an extendable member attached to the base, wherein the extendable member is configured to extend to any of at least one displacement position to adjust the base to substantially level the cradle surface, and wherein the extendable member is coupled to tracks on a lateral side of the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are attached to—and form a portion of—this disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a baby changing device and its environment in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a baby changing device and its environment in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front-top perspective view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a rear-top perspective view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a front-bottom perspective view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a rear-bottom perspective view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a front-top perspective view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a rear-top perspective view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a front-bottom perspective view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a rear-bottom perspective view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a rear view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a partial perspective view of a pin of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a front-top perspective view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a rear-top perspective view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a front-bottom perspective view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a rear-bottom perspective view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a front view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 is a rear view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 is a side view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 is a top view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 is a bottom view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29 is a front-top perspective view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 30 is a rear-top perspective view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 31 is a front-bottom perspective view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 32 is a rear-bottom perspective view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 33 is a front view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 34 is a rear view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 35 is a side view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 36 is a partial cross-section view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 37 is a partial cross-section view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 38 is a partial perspective view of a baby changing device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DEFINITIONS

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) in this disclosure have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art of this disclosure. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined otherwise in this disclosure. For brevity or clarity, well known functions or constructions may not be described in detail.

The terms “about” and “approximately” shall generally mean an acceptable degree of error or variation for the quantity measured in light of the nature or precision of the measurements. Typical, exemplary degrees of error or variation are within 20 percent (%), preferably within 10%, more preferably within 5%, of a given value or range of values. Numerical quantities given in this description are approximate unless stated otherwise, meaning that the term “about” or “approximately” can be inferred when not expressly stated.

The terminology used throughout the disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “first,” “second,” and the like are used to describe various features or elements, but these features or elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one feature or element from another feature or element. Thus, a first feature or element discussed below could be termed a second feature or element, and similarly, a second feature or element discussed below could be termed a first feature or element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure. Likewise, terms like “top” and “bottom”; “front” and “back”; and “left” and “right” are used to distinguish certain features or elements from each other, but it is expressly contemplated that a top could be a bottom, and vice versa.

The term “consisting essentially of” means that, in addition to the recited elements, what is claimed may also contain other elements (steps, structures, ingredients, components, etc.) that do not adversely affect the operability of what is claimed for its intended purpose as stated in this disclosure. This term excludes such other elements that adversely affect the operability of what is claimed for its intended purpose as stated in this disclosure, even if such other elements might enhance the operability of what is claimed for some other purpose.

The terms “connected to,” “in connection with,” “in communication with,” or “connecting” include any suitable connection or communication, including mechanical connection, electrical connection (e.g., one or more wires), or signal-conducting channel (e.g., Bluetooth®, Near-Field Communication (NFC), or other inductive coupling or radio-frequency (RF) link).

It is to be understood that any given elements of the disclosed embodiments of the invention may be embodied in a single structure, a single step, a single substance, or the like. Similarly, a given element of the disclosed embodiment may be embodied in multiple structures, steps, substances, or the like.

The following description illustrates and describes the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings of the present disclosure. The disclosure shows and describes only certain embodiments of the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings disclosed; but as mentioned above, it is to be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure are capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and are capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the teachings of this disclosure, commensurate with the skill and knowledge of a person having ordinary skill in the relevant art. The embodiments described are further intended to explain certain best modes known of practicing the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings of the disclosure and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the teachings of the disclosure in such, or other, embodiments and with the various modifications required by the particular applications or uses. Accordingly, the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings of the present disclosure are not intended to limit the exact embodiments and examples disclosed herein. Any section headings herein are provided only for consistency with the suggestions of 37 C.F.R. § 1.77 or otherwise to provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A device providing a level surface for changing a baby (“baby changing device”) and a method for using a baby changing device have been developed and are described. In addition to the description herein and in the accompanying drawings, additional detail is contained in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/115,896, titled BABY CHANGING DEVICE and filed on Nov. 19, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference into the specification in its entirety.

1. Overview: Baby Changing Device

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a device providing a level surface for changing a baby (a baby changing device) as installed on a seat 2 and with a baby 1 lying on the baby changing device. FIG. 2 shows a side view of the same, but without any baby 1 lying on the baby changing device. As shown in FIG. 1, the baby changing device may be configured to receive a baby 1, for example to facilitate changing a diaper. The baby changing device may be configured to lie on a seat 2, for example on a seat 2 of a vehicle, such as a car or boat. The baby changing device may be configured to be adjustable to provide a substantially level (with respect to horizontal or with respect to a plane to which the force of gravity at a point on the device is perpendicular) surface for receiving and supporting a baby 1. In particular, the baby changing device may be configured to compensate for an inclination of a seat 2 by having a lateral side's height from the seat 2 be adjustable. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a seat 2 may be inclined such that the rear of the seat 2 is lower than the front of the seat 2. In such a case, the baby changing device may be configured to allow raising the height of the rear side 12 of the baby changing device. As shown in FIG. 2, the height may be adjustable to provide a substantially level surface on an inclined seat 2.

A baby changing device may comprise a base 10. The base 10 may have a plurality of lateral sides. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the base 10 may have four lateral sides: front side 11, rear side 12, left side 13, and right side 14. In other embodiments, the base 10 may have more or fewer lateral sides, which may be straight or curved. The base 10 may be dimensioned to fit on a seat 2, for example on a seat 2 normally used for transporting adult passengers in a vehicle such as a car or boat, although the base 10 could be used with various other types of seats (e.g., furniture). A bottom surface of the base 10 may be placed adjacent to (or in contact with) a top surface of a seat 2. The base 10 may comprise a cradle surface 15, configured to receive a baby 1. The cradle surface 15 may be positioned on a top surface of the base 10. The base 10 and cradle surface 15 may be dimensioned to receive a baby 1. The cradle surface 15 shown in FIG. 1 is curved, but in other embodiments the cradle surface 15 may be flat. The cradle surface 15 may be curved to support a baby 1 lying on its surface, for example on its back while its clothing or diaper is being changed. In some embodiments, the base 10 may comprise a level (not specifically shown), for example a spirit level, bubble, level, inclinometer, or clinometer. The level may be used to monitor the results of a using the baby changing device to provide a substantially level surface, which is described in more detail below.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the baby changing device may also comprise at least one extendable member 20. The extendable member 20 may be configured to adjust the height from a seat 2 of one lateral side of the base 10, for example the rear side 12. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the extendable member 20 may be configured to adjust the height of a lateral side in order to make the cradle surface 20 and base 10 substantially level with respect to horizontal when placed on an inclined seat, for example a seat 2 of a vehicle. The extendable member 20 may be configured to extend to a displacement position to adjust the base 10 to substantially level the cradle surface 15. A “displacement position” may refer to one of a range of positions of the extendable member 20 between: (1) a position (the “recessed position”) in which all or substantially all of the extendable member 20 is positioned above or flush with a bottom surface of the base 10; and (2) a position at which a bottom-most portion of the extendable member (i.e., the “heel” 29 of the extendable member 20, shown at least in FIGS. 5, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 18) is at its approximately furthest position from the recessed position. The extendable member 20 may be configured to extend downward from the base 10 (for example from the housing 40 described in more detail below). The extendable member 20 may be configured to adjust an angle at which the cradle surface 15 and the base 10 make with a plane that is parallel to the surface of—or with a plane that is orthogonal to a plane normal to—the cradle surface 15.

In some embodiments, the extendable member 20 may be configured to be stowed in a housing 40 (or “recessed portion” or “recessed portion of the base 10”) so that a bottom surface of the base 10 is substantially flat and the extendable member 20 does not extend past a bottommost surface of the base 10. The housing 40 may be configured to accommodate the extendable member 20. The extendable member may be retractable to a position substantially within the housing 40. The extendable member 20 may be configured to extend from the housing 40 so that a plane which is tangential to a lowermost portion of the cradle surface 15 is substantially horizontal (i.e., “level”). In this regard, the extendable member 20 may be configured to level the cradle surface 15 and to reduce the likelihood that the force of gravity will cause or tend to effect the baby's 1 rolling to either side due to the base 10 not being level (i.e., due to the slope of the seat 2 toward or away from a seatback).

As a user extends the extendable member 20, the extendable member 20 may be configured to lock into place at various positions, to accommodate for variations in the angle of the base 10 with respect to a seatback or with respect to a horizontal plane. Once a user has identified a desired extension of the extendable member 20 from the base 10, the user may lock the extendable member 20 into place at that angle, position, or degree of extension—thereby achieving a stable and level cradle surface 15 on which to change a baby's 1 diaper or clothing, or to allow the baby 1 to rest without rolling under the influence of gravity. After the user has finished changing the baby 1, the user can unlock the extendable member 20 from its position and return it to its position stowed within the housing 40 (or recessed portion of the base 40). The extendable member 20 may be configured to be locked to maintain its extension to a displacement position. The extendable member 20 may be configured to be unlocked to allow the extendable member 20 to be moved.

The baby changing device may comprise a release mechanism (for example, a release lever 90, shown in FIGS. 36,37, and 38 and described in more detail below) configured to lock and unlock the extendable member 20. For example, a release mechanism (for example, a release lever 90 described in more detail below) may be configured to lock and unlock the extendable member 20 by using a keeper pin 70 (or by using a detent spring 54 coupled to a keeper pin 70) which may be received by any of at least one detent 50, such that the extendable member 20 is unlocked when the release mechanism is used to withdraw the keeper pin 70 from a detent 50 and is locked when the release mechanism is used to insert the keeper pin 70 into a detent 50. (The keeper pin 70 and detent 50 are each described below in more detail.)

Some embodiments of the extendable member 20 are described in detail below. Some embodiments of the extendable member 20 include a pivoting member 120, an extendable member 220, and a sliding member 320 (shown in FIGS. 3-19, in FIGS. 20-38, and in FIGS. 39-56, respectively). Disclosures referring to “extendable member 20” should be interpreted as applying to any embodiment of the extendable member 20, including to the pivoting member 120, to the extendable member 220, and to the sliding member 320—and vice versa.

FIGS. 3-38 show various views of an embodiment of the device providing a level surface for changing a baby (the baby changing device), with an extendable member 20 in various positions.

2. Pivoting-Member Embodiment; Generally

As shown in at least FIGS. 3-19, the extendable member 20 may be a pivoting member for example the pivoting member 120 (also called a “rotatable member”). The extendable member 20 may be connected to the base 10 by at least one pin 30. The extendable member 20 may be configured to pivot about the pin 30. The at least one pin 30 may be configured to allow the extendable member 20 to rotate freely, reversibly, and/or detentably about the pin 30. For example, the extendable member 20 may be attached to the front side 11 by the pin 30. FIGS. 3-9 show the extendable member 20 in a retracted position; FIGS. 12-18 show the extendable member 20 in an extended position. As shown by comparing FIG. 3 with FIG. 12, when the extendable member 20 rotates about pin 30 on the front side 11, the heel 29 of the extendable member 20 may extend below the base 10, thus increasing the height of the baby changing device, for example in the rear. By rotating the extendable member 20, the baby changing device may be adjusted to provide a substantially level cradle surface 15 on an inclined seat, for example a seat 2 of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the base 10 may comprise a housing 40. The housing 40 may be configured to receive the extendable member 20 when in a retracted position. The housing 40 may be a recessed portion on a bottom side of the base 10, which may be configured to receive the extendable member 20.

3. Pivoting-Member Embodiment; Mechanism Detail

The extendable member 20, pin 30, and/or housing 40 may comprise at least one detent 50. In some embodiments, there may be detents 50 positioned on the pin 30, as shown at least in FIG. 19. The detents 50 may be any suitable detent. For example, each detent may be a notch, ridge, fluting, mechanical detent, friction detent, recess, or mechanical latch. For example, the pin 30 may be a fluted rod. In some embodiments, each detent could be another detention mechanism, for example a magnetic detent or an adhesive detent. The extendable member 20 may be configured to releasably mate with the detents 50, for example the detents 50 on the pin 30.

4. Extending-Member Embodiment; Generally

As shown in FIGS. 20-38, the extendable member 20 may be configured to move vertically with respect to the base 10. The extendable member 20 (for example the extendable member 220 shown in FIGS. 20-38) may be configured to be extended across a range of displacements from a position that is substantially within a recessed portion of the base (e.g., within the housing 40) to a position that is substantially fully extended from the recessed portion of the base (e.g., from the housing 40). FIGS. 20-26 show the extendable member 20 in a recessed position. FIGS. 29-35 show the extendable member 20 in an extended position. As shown by comparing FIG. 20 with FIG. 29, in an extended position, the heel 29 of the extendable member 20 may extend below the base 10, thus increasing the height of a lateral side of the baby changing device, for example the rear side 12. By extending the extendable member 20, the baby changing device may be adjusted to provide a substantially level cradle surface 15 on an inclined seat, for example a seat 2 of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the base 10 may comprise a housing 40. The housing 40 may be configured to receive the extendable member 20. The housing 40 may be a recessed portion on a bottom side of the base 10, which may be configured to receive the extendable member 20.

5. Extending-Member Embodiment; Mechanism Detail

FIGS. 36 and 37 show partial views of a baby changing device, detailing a mechanism for adjusting and locking the height and angle of the base 10. Specifically, FIG. 36 shows the extendable member 20 in a recessed position (or “retracted position”). A spring component 60 has been compressed into a cylinder 65 by the extendable member 20 retracted into the housing 40. FIG. 36 shows that a plurality of detents 50 are positioned on the extendable member 20, so that the extendable member 20 may be locked into a plurality of positions. The detents 50 may be sized and configured to receive a keeper pin 70. Each detent 50 may be a notch, recess, or mechanical latch. In some embodiments, each detent 50 could be another detention mechanism, for example a magnetic detent or an adhesive detent. FIG. 36 shows a keeper pin 70 released into a closed position, so that the keeper pin 70 is removably inserted into one of the plurality of detents 50. The keeper pin 70 may extend through a hole 80 in the base 10, for example through an outside wall of the housing 40. A release lever 90 may be positioned on the base 10. The release lever 90 may be connected to the keeper pin 70 and may be configured to retract and release (or open and close) the keeper pin 70 from and into the detents 50. Some details about a mechanism having similar functionality and features but implemented in the context of a rifle stock may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,162,822 titled COLLAPSIBLE BUTTSTOCK FOR FIREARM, filed Sep. 19, 2005, and issued Jan. 16, 2007, the contents and disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Additional detail is also contained in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/115,896, titled BABY CHANGING DEVICE and filed on Nov. 19, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference into this specification in its entirety.

FIG. 37 shows the extendable member 20 in an extended state. The spring component 60 is extended vertically to push the extendable member 20 down, thus raising the height of the base 10 to conform the angle of the baby changing device to the incline angle of a seat 2 with respect to a seatback. FIG. 37 shows the keeper pin 70 and release lever 90 in a retracted, or open, position. When the keeper pin 70 is retracted (for example by the release lever 90), the extendable member 20 may move freely within the housing 40, to allow adjustment of the height of the extendable member 20 and the angle of the baby changing device.

FIG. 38 shows an exploded partial view of a baby changing device, detailing a mechanism for adjusting and locking the height and angle of the base 10. Whereas FIGS. 36 and 37 were side views, FIG. 38 is a perspective view. FIG. 38 shows that a plurality of the mechanisms shown in FIGS. 36-37 may be present along a length of the extendable member 20. The mechanisms may be configured to balance the forces acting on the extendable member 20 and base 10, to prevent the extendable member 20 from binding within the housing 40. For example, FIG. 38 shows a plurality of spring components 60 in cylinders 65 arranged substantially symmetrically about the center of the extendable member 20. As shown in FIG. 38, an embodiment with multiple spring components 60 might have only one release mechanism, for example a release lever 90. Alternatively, an embodiment might have a plurality of release mechanisms, for example one release lever 90 for each spring component.

While the foregoing specification has described specific embodiments of this invention and many details have been put forth for the purpose of illustration or example, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain of the details described herein can be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device providing a level surface for changing a baby, comprising: a base, wherein the base comprises a plurality of lateral sides; a cradle surface; and an extendable member coupled to the base, wherein the extendable member is configured to extend to any of at least one displacement position to adjust the base to substantially level the cradle surface.
 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a recessed portion of the base configured to accommodate the extendable member.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the extendable member is retractable to a position substantially within the recessed portion of the base.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the extendable member may be locked to maintain its extension to a displacement position, and wherein the extendable member may be unlocked to allow the extendable member to be moved.
 5. The device of claim 4, further comprising a release lever configured to lock and unlock the extendable member.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the release lever is configured to lock and unlock the extendable member by using a spring component coupled to a keeper pin which may be received by any of at least one detent, such that the extendable member is unlocked when the release lever is used to withdraw the keeper pin from a detent and is locked when the release lever is used to insert the keeper pin into a detent.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the extendable member is attached to the base by a pin, and wherein the extendable member is configured to pivot about the pin.
 8. The device of claim 2, wherein the extendable member is configured to be extended across a range of displacements from a position that is substantially within the recessed portion of the base to a position that is substantially fully extended from the recessed portion of the base.
 9. The device of claim 2, wherein the extendable member is coupled to at least one track on a lateral side of the base.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the extendable member is coupled to at least one track on a rear side of the base.
 11. A device providing a level surface for changing a baby, comprising: a base, wherein the base comprises a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side, and wherein the rear side has a recessed portion; a curved cradle surface configured to receive a baby; and an extendable member coupled to the base and configured to be adjustably positioned along a range of displacement positions including at least one displacement position substantially within the recessed portion of the base.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the extendable member may be locked to maintain its extension to a displacement position, and wherein the extendable member may be unlocked to allow the extendable member to be moved.
 13. The device of claim 12, further comprising a release lever configured to lock and unlock the extendable member.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the release lever is configured to lock and unlock the extendable member by using a spring component coupled to a keeper pin which may be received by any of at least one detent, such that the extendable member is unlocked when the release lever is used to withdraw the keeper pin from a detent and is locked when the release lever is used to insert the keeper pin into a detent.
 15. The device of claim 11, wherein the extendable member is attached to the base by a pin, and wherein the extendable member is configured to pivot about the pin.
 16. The device of claim 11, wherein the range of displacement positions includes a position that is substantially fully extended from the recessed portion of the base.
 17. A device providing a level surface for changing a baby, comprising: a base having a plurality of lateral sides wherein at least one lateral side has a recessed portion; a cradle surface framed by the base; and an extendable member configured to be adjustably positioned along a range of displacement positions including at least one displacement position substantially within the recessed portion of the base.
 18. The device of claim 17, wherein the extendable member may be locked to maintain its extension to a desired displacement position, and wherein the extendable member may be unlocked to allow the extendable member to be moved.
 19. The device of claim 18, further comprising a release lever configured to lock and unlock the extendable member.
 20. The device of claim 17, wherein the range of displacement positions includes a position that is substantially fully extended from the recessed portion of the base. 